Occupational health and safety news and guidance

Free workshops are being run across Lancashire to help small businesses better prevent the risk of exposure to asbestos.

Construction companies and small businesses are invited to attend one of six free half day events so they are aware of how they can avoid work that may disturb asbestos. This will include everyday activities, the risks of disturbing the fabric of the building and items that may contain asbestos.

The course is UKATA accredited and provides a comprehensive introduction to the dangers of working with asbestos, helping employers to comply with the law by ensuring that their workers are appropriately trained in order to work safely.

It covers:

The properties of asbestos and how it can be damaging to your health, possibly giving you an increased risk of lung cancer if you are a smoker;

The categories of asbestos, and how it is used in buildings and plants;

How to deal with asbestos in an emergency;

Avoiding risk from asbestos.

Dorothy Shaw, HSE Principal Inspector, said:

“A very wide range of workers could potentially come into contact with Asbestos – ranging from traditional construction trades to the installation of telecommunications and computer equipment or shop fitting.

“These free events will provide essential information and advice that could help save lives, so I urge local businesses to attend.”

The events, organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and construction industry’s Working Well Together campaign, are being held at